A story of courage and action
“Don't be satisfied with small businesses, think big, like me!”
Khadija served as head teacher at a girls' high school before the Taliban closed educational institutions. Witnessing her students' suffering — including forced marriages and suicides — prompted her to act.
She established a clandestine school in her home's basement, which quickly attracted over 800 students. When discovered, the Taliban arrested her. After her release, she relocated classes to a mountain location with approximately 600 students attending in rotating shifts.
A second arrest occurred after Taliban members found English adverbs on a classroom whiteboard. Fifty of her students intervened, threatening to storm a Taliban office unless she was freed. She was released, but warned that a third arrest would mean execution.
Facing these constraints, Khadija shifted strategy. Beginning with $200, she built a business that grew to employ 750 women and girls in morning and afternoon shifts, with transportation provided. She also runs a training center offering handicraft instruction alongside academic subjects.